Mini Pupillage‍

Our mini pupillages take place between February and October each year.

Subject to any future restrictions/guidance in respect of COVID-19, all our mini pupillages will take place in person.  

How to Apply

Application is by way of CV with covering letter. Please send your application to minipupillage@orielchambers.co.uk.

Applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application. If you have not had a reply, please contact us.

Due to the large number of applications, we are unable to provide feedback on unsuccessful applications. We do, however, appreciate that the strength of a student’s application can increase as their studies progress. As such, we welcome applications from those who have previously applied and can demonstrate progression.

Who can apply?

Chambers welcomes applications for mini pupillage from the following:

Those aged 18 and over who have commenced, or already completed, a UK/ Republic of Ireland undergraduate law degree, qualifying law degree or conversion course.

• Students undertaking a non-law degree are welcome to apply but will be prioritised below those applicants who have already commenced their legal studies.
  
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Selection Criteria

We apply the same criteria for selecting mini pupils as we do for pupils. In particular, your application should demonstrate your:

• Ability to write clearly and persuasively;
• Academic achievements;
• Non-academic achievements;
• Evidence of motivation and initiative.
  
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We are a committed equal opportunities Chambers and employer. We therefore both encourage and welcome applications from those groups which are typically under-represented at the Bar, including women, Black, Asian and minority ethnic individuals, people with a disability and those who attended a state school. We are happy to make reasonable adjustments to support candidates with a disability.

Please note:

• We offer mini pupillage to enable successful applicants to gain an insight into life at the Bar and at Oriel Chambers;
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• Our mini pupillages are not assessed and form no part of the selection for pupillage;
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• While pupillage applicants are encouraged to apply, it is not a requirement that applicants for pupillage must have undertaken a mini pupillage at Chambers.

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How your mini pupillage is structured

Mini pupillages will last for two days.

In general, we envisage that you will see a broad cross-section of Chambers’ practice areas. If you are interested in a particular area of practice undertaken in Chambers, please specify this on your application and, where possible, we will arrange for you to spend some time with a Member of Chambers who specialises in that area.

Where possible you will:

• Attend Court with members of Chambers, either in person or remotely from Chambers;
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• Attend a conference with clients;
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• Have the opportunity to chat with our pupils, junior barristers, and clerks;

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Applications are encouraged from those individuals who are in full-time employment, or who have caring or family obligations. Where possible, we can look at shorter mini pupillages and/or remote attendance on request.

Other opportunities

We hold on-line pupillage events and seminars where you can hear from our barristers on various subjects including:

• Pupillage application advice;
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• Interview techniques;
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• Specific areas of practice;
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• Access to the Bar.

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These events will be held by Teams and are open to all. There are no selection criteria for our online events.

Links to such events will be posted nearer the time. Please keep an eye on Chambers’ website and social media profiles for updates:

Twitter: @OrielChambers

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/oriel-chambers

Lincoln’s Inn Mini Pupillage Grant Scheme

Lincoln’s Inn offer support to students who have secured a mini pupillage but need additional funds to complete it.

The fund is intended to help with the cost of long distance travel, commuting, accommodation and for purchasing appropriate professional clothing.

Applicants do not need to be members of Lincoln’s Inn and must meet certain social mobility based criteria to be eligible for a grant.

The value of each grant is calculated based upon the applicant’s anticipated expenses up to a maximum of £500.

More details including all of the application criteria and application form can be found on this page of their website. Applications are open all year round.

‍Mini Pupillage Blogs

Take a look at our recent mini pupil, Louise Bridle's experience.

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